Same-Sex Marriages Begin in Oregon

Following the striking down of Oregon’s ban on same-sex marriages, many same-sex couples rushed to get marriage licenses in Portland and afterwards moved on to the Melody Ballroom to have official marriage ceremonies.

A marriage certificate sits on a table at the Melody Ballroom in Portland where many same-sex couples exchanged vows following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple hugs after exchanging marriage vows at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. Their ceremony was officiated over by Portland Mayor Charlie Hales. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

An onlooker watches as a same-sex couple exchange their vows at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple exchanging marriage vows at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales signs a marriage certificate after officiating over a same-sex marriage between two men at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple poses with Portland Mayor Charlie Hales after exchanging marriage vows at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. Hales officiated over two of the marriage ceremonies. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple walk together down an aisle at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014 as their son looks on. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple and their family embrace each other after their marriage ceremony at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple kiss each other after exchanging vows at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A kid sits outside the Melody Ballroom in Portland waiting to handout flowers to newlywed couples following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

A same-sex couple embrace each other after exchanging vows at the Melody Ballroom in Portland following the overturning of Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage on May 19, 2014. (Photo: Nico Hamacher)

Great photos, Nico. My favorite of these 11 is #7 – you can just see the smile on the son as his moms walk to get married! I also checked out your flickr collection; again this family was my favorite. They truly capture WHY marriage equality is important – it’s not about the individuals, it’s about the families. They say a picture is worth a thousand words – congratulations on a great photo essay, Nico. You said way more than words could.